From 11 to 16 September 2025, partners from France, Poland, Moldova and Ukraine gathered in Brittany for the launch of G.R.A.I.N. (Governance, Rural Action and Inclusive Networks), a new European cooperation initiative supporting the reconstruction of rural Ukraine through the LEADER-CLLDÂ approach.
The project, coordinated by LEADER France with the involvement of the Polish National LEADER Network, the Moldovan LEADER Network, and the All-Ukrainian Association of Communities, aims to establish six pilot LAGs and co-create Local Development Strategies in selected Ukrainian territories. ELARD, as an associated partner, will contribute to several activities linked to European networking, innovative rural financing, and dissemination.
A week dedicated to learning, exchange and partnership building
The seminar opened with a full day of technical sessions introducing the LEADER methodology, complemented by insights from French, Polish and Moldovan LAGs. Ukrainian delegations also presented the characteristics and ambitions of their six pilot territories.
The following days were dedicated to site visits showcasing LEADER-funded projects, including youth facilities, adapted housing for older residents, environmental and landscape restoration initiatives, and a sensory community garden. These concrete examples helped participants explore how community-led development can directly improve rural lives.
A highlight of the programme was the joint participation in the Festival de la Pomme de Terre, an emblematic celebration of rural culture in Plœuc-L’Hermitage, allowing delegations to experience local traditions and reinforce ties in an informal setting.
High-level support for Ukraine’s rural reconstruction
On 15 September, the delegations travelled to Paris for an institutional meeting hosted by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (DCTCIV). Participants were welcomed by Mr Thani Mohamed Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, who reiterated France’s support to Ukraine and emphasised the strategic importance of community-led rural development in the reconstruction process.
A strong foundation for the next phases
The seminar successfully set the basis for:
✔ the formation of French–Polish–Ukrainian cooperation trios
✔ the establishment of pilot LAGs in six Ukrainian oblasts
✔ the development of Local Development Strategies rooted in citizen participation
✔ long-term cooperation between rural territories in the EU and Ukraine
The project will officially begin its activities in January 2026, starting with a series of online meetings and webinars on LEADER principles, European institutions, and rural development financing.
ELARD’s role in the next stages
As an associated partner, ELARD will contribute to support to networking between the participating territories and European partners, as well as policy insights and advice when it comes to setting up the approach in a non-EU country.
For more information
Organisations, LAGs and rural networks interested in cooperation or in following the project’s progress are invited to contact ELARD or Leader France.
G.R.A.I.N. is funded through a combination of European and national programmes, including:
   – CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values
   – Allons-EU (ALDA)
   – The EXPECT programme, supporting expert exchanges between France and Ukraine.